Test Drive: All-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium

Monday

Jan 29, 2018 at 12:29 PMJan 29, 2018 at 12:29 PM

Greg Zyla More Content Now

Entry Price: $24,595Price as Tested: $37,150

This week we’re behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s all-new generation and bigger 2018 Tiguan SEL Premium, listed as a small sport utility vehicle (SUV) by the EPA. In reality, it’s more like a smaller midsize SUV that is sure to attract potential consumers shopping this popular class.

Why do I call the new Tiguan a midsize instead of a compact or small SUV?

Well, when you stretch the wheelbase by an unheard of 7.3 inches and expand the overall length by nearly 11 inches, you’re bumping over to midsize dimensions. The end result is the biggest compact SUV in class and in most instances this new generation VW Tiguan is a most welcome change.

Now in its second generation following a 2007 introduction, the 2018 VW Tiguan offers way more room inside for cargo and passengers and, thanks to the wheelbase stretch, now adds a standard albeit small third row seat to every front-drive Tiguan built. The small third row on our Tiguan has become commonplace on the mid-size SUVs, but not on compact models. These third rows offer seating for children and pets more so than full size adults although in a pinch adults can manage the tight ride if necessary. If you order the Tiguan AWD 4Motion, the third row is a $500 option.

Still, be it front or AWD in either two or three rows, the new Tiguan boasts an all-new exterior design that is very impressive and easy on the eyes. Although still a more conservative design compared to today’s ultra-aerodynamic standards, there’s something refreshing about Tiguan’s more classic SUV design. Specifically, I met with nods of approval from several interested parties encountered during our weeklong test. Clearly, the class is filled with so many sweptback styles with aggressive front and rear motifs that when you see the new Tiguan design in person featuring a middle-of-the-road aero and timeless layout, you’ll be impressed.

Under the hood sits a tweaked 2.0-liter inline-four with a turbocharger built for the new Tiguan models. It generates 184 horsepower and 221 lb. ft. of torque and although I’d like to say it’s faster than the previous Tiguans we’ve driven over the years, that’s just not the case. Specifically, when you make a vehicle longer and 300 pounds heavier than the previous generation you’re going to need more horsepower to accelerate quicker. In reality, the revised 2.0 turbo in the 2018 Tiguan is some 16 horsepower less than the lighter first generation, which is a puzzling situation when it comes to introducing an all-new model. Although it’s no turtle by any means and offers more torque by 14 pounds, it accelerates to 60 mph in the high eight- to low nine-second range. Granted, I’d like to see a few more ponies in the future and note that a new eight-speed automatic does help once you get up to highway speeds, but the low end power just isn’t there. The EPA fuel mileage numbers are decent but not outstanding, as the front drive comes in at 22 city and 27 highway. If you choose the AWD Tiguan, you can expect 21 city and 27 highway.

Now, let’s center on more of positives that the new Tiguan offers.

I’ve always said that a heavier vehicle makes for a safer vehicle as proven in controlled crash tests with lighter vehicles. Thus with its extra weight and longer dimensions coupled with Volkswagen’s outstanding safety equipment, you’re driving in one very safe “small SUV” vehicle. Every Tiguan Premium SEL features a start/stop driving feature where the engine shuts off at the stop signs and red lights. You can turn this feature off if inclined although it does save gas. The top safety technology on our SEL Premium features front collision warning and braking, lane departure assist, park distance control front and rear, adaptive cruise, overhead view cameras, blind spot monitor and much more which is all standard fare. Your Volkswagen dealer will explain all of the features of this new Tiguan when you visit.

The interior is many steps ahead of the last generation. Starting with very comfortable and firm leather seating and a new dashboard, other enhancements include an impressive Discover Media eight-inch touchscreen with Fender Premium Stereo SiriusXM, beautiful panoramic sunroof and all of today’s high-tech gadgetry from Navigation to CD player to all the smartphone apps and attachments one expects. Power everything, two-zone air conditioning and push button start is noted, as are all expected traction controls and heated seats and steering wheel.

Underneath, Volkswagen’s four-wheel independent suspension offers a good ride and traction abilities thanks to 19-inch tires on nice alloy wheels. As our tester was near fully loaded and the top model offered, not one option appeared on the price sticker and with $900 added to the Premium SEL’s $36,250 base, the final tally came in at $37,150.

Remember, however, that the 2018 Tiguan starts at $24,595 for the S and arrives with the exact same drivetrain and suspension as the top line models. If you want AWD, add $1,300 and remember that the advanced safety items start when you get to the SE trim that starts at $26,750, followed by the SEL at $31,090.

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